BOY (6) GUNNED DOWN

THE notorious amaBerethe police unit is accused of shooting dead a six-year-old boy in Alexandra, near Joburg.

The tough tactical reaction team known for their hot klaps are said to have been following up information about a murder suspect in the township.

Suspect Majika Sithole’s injured girlfriend, Xolisile Nguwo, says she cannot believe God saved her from the hail of bullets that came through the walls and roof of her shack. Photos by Everson Luhanga. ~

According to the police, on arrival at the suspect’s shack early on Friday morning the tactical team from Tembisa in Ekurhuleni knocked on the door and introduced themselves as cops.

They allege that suspect Majika Sithole (41) opened fire.

Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesman Robbie Raburabu said the police then returned fire.

Sadly, the suspect’s six-year-old son, Qiniso Sithole, was asleep inside the shack and got caught in the crossfire.

He was shot in the head.

The suspect’s girlfriend, Xolisile Nguwo (36), said she could not believe God saved her from the hail of bullets.

“Police surrounded the shack and shot several bullets into it.

“Officers even climbed on the roof and fired shots, breaking everything inside.”

Xolisile said she had pleaded with the cops at the top of her voice, shouting that there was a child inside.

“My boyfriend was shot after he had surrendered.

“I was lying on my stomach outside, but I was still shot in my right arm.

“Officers were even calling me names, such as sifebe.”

Xolisile said Qiniso had been in Johannesburg for only a week as he was visiting his father during the school holidays.

“Why should the police come in the middle of the night and kill an innocent child?

“How am I going to explain to his mum in KZN?” she asked.

Raburabu said police are investigating a case of murder.

“We are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.”

He said police were following up on information that the suspect was allegedly involved in a heist and murder last week.